Marco hotel renovations

Perhaps the most sincere votes are when people "vote with their feet," or when corporations vote with their dollars. The Marriott and Hilton hotels, Marco Island's two largest commercial establishments, are placing a multi-million bet on the economy, both on the island and nationally. The two beach hotels together are spending over $20 million on face lifts for their respective properties this summer, getting the work done during the slow months before the tourist season resumes with the coming year.

The Marriott and the Hilton are spending millions on renovating their hotels during the off-season this summer. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Anthony Myers of Heritage Builders cuts ipo wood siding for the Marriott's penthouse suite. The Marriott and the Hilton are spending millions on renovating their hotels during the off-season this summer. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Workers swarm over the Hilton's ninth floor before the contractor turns it back over to the hotel.

Anna Zuniga polishes a sliding door at the Marco Hilton.

Workers work on revamping the Marco Marriott's $5,000 per night Presidential Suite. The Marriott and the Hilton are spending millions on renovating their hotels during the off-season this summer. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Workers swarm over the Hilton's ninth floor before the contractor turns it back over to the hotel. The Marriott and the Hilton are spending millions on renovating their hotels during the off-season this summer. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

Steve Byers of Glass of Marco wears a harness to work on the edge of the Marriott's 11th floor penthouse suite. The Marriott and the Hilton are spending millions on renovating their hotels during the off-season this summer. Lance Shearer/Eagle Correspondent

The Marco Hilton offers cookies and lemonade along with a "pardon our dust" apology to guests.